Tuesday 20th, St. Apollinaris, bishop and martyr. Lived in the second century and preached the gospel in the region of Ravenna. He was bishop of Classis, where he suffered martyrdom.
Wednesday 21st, St. Lawrence of Brindisi (1559-1619), priest and doctor of the Church. A Capuchin, who preached the Counter-Reformation. He led the German armies against the Turks in Hungary and gained peace for the people of Naples.
Thursday 22nd, St. Mary Magdalene stood by the Cross of Jesus; with two other women she discovered the empty tomb; she was granted an appearance of the Risen Lord early the same day, from which incident she has been described as ‘the apostle to the apostles’. The Gospels give no warrant for identifying her with the ‘woman who was a sinner’ who anointed Christ’s feet (Luke 7: 37), or with Mary the sister of Martha who also anointed him (John 12: 3).
Friday 23rd, St. Bridget of Sweden Religious , a Patron of Europe. St. Bridget was born in Sweden in 1303. She brought up eight children and after the death of her husband dedicated herself to an ascetical way of life. Later she founded the Bridgettine Order and lived in Rome. She wrote many works about her mystical experiences. She died in Rome in 1373. She was declared a Patron of Europe in 2000.
Saturday 24th, St. Sharbel Makhlur became a monk at the monastery of St. Maron at Annaya and was ordained in 1859. He became a hermit from 1875 until his death in 1898. He was much sought after for counsel and blessing and had a great personal devotion to the Blessed Sacrament. St. Declan is considered to be one of the pre-Patrician saints. He was of noble blood. Colman, a local priest, baptised him. Later he went to Europe to continue his studies where he was ordained priest and possibly bishop. He settled in Ardmore and evangelised the Decies country.